Ashland County Fishing Report
Scott Bretting from River Rock reports: Small Mouth are now done spawning and getting into their “Summer warm weather mode”. As we see the temps getting warmer, we will see more fish on top water. Fishing for Small Mouth Bass could be a little tough now because of the hatches of natural bait.
Break out your Fly Rod because it could be a lot of fun fishing on calm days!!!!
Frog patterns have been great on the Bay. Trolling continues to be very good with lots of Lake Trout being caught in the South Channel, using spoons behind the downriggers and flys with flashers or spin-in-glows. Inland fishing has been productive. As the water gets warmer, you will see of lot of people water skiing and on jet skis on the Inland Lakes. The campgrounds are busy so there is a lot of water activity to enjoy. The Blue Gills, Crappies, Perch and Bass are very active on the Inlands using crawlers, and leeches. There is a wide variety of baits to use for fishing any time this summer!!!!! Shore fishing off the Marina Sea Wall, Power Plant and the Base of the Ore Dock has brought in many fish from Rock Bass to Walleyes. Anglers are soaking Smelt and catching fish!
Carolyn from Anglers All reports: The 4th of July week should be great for fishing on the Chequamegon Bay! We are right on course for fishing at this time of year. Small Mouth Bass fishing has been great in the Bay! There are pre-spawn fish and fish on beds and post-spawn fish that are starting to move to their summer haunts throughout the Bay. Moving baits VERY slowly is the most productive way to fish the Small Mouth Bass unless you see them chasing, and then you can move your baits faster.
Anglers have been catching Walleye at the head of the Bay, Brush Point and Kakagon Slough, using crawlers, leeches, and minnows as well as stick baits.
Northern’s have been caught at the Break Wall and along the Ashland shoreline with many Anglers casting spoons and spinner baits.
Trolling for Trout and Salmon has been very productive from Houghton Point all the way out to the Islands. Many fish are still being caught in shallower depths trolling stick baits, however, water temps are starting to warm and anglers are starting to transition into using spoons.
Stream fishermen should be looking for the hex hatch to start soon! Warmer temps in the evening will really get the hex hatch going!!!!
Always be aware of deadheads and floating debris on the water!!!
Happy Independence Day and Happy fishing!!!